Charges: MSU Coach Had Videos Of Kids On Cell Phone

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) — The head football coach at Minnesota State University-Mankato was charged Wednesday after police say three videos of young children were found on his cell phone.

Todd Hoffner, 46, of Eagle Lake, was charged with one count of using minors in a sexual performance or pornographic work and one count of possessing pornography on a work device.

Hoffner’s attorney, Jim Fleming, said his client intends to fight the charges. At a bail hearing Wednesday, Fleming characterized the nature of the video as private moments. He added that the images contained nothing that was graphic, abusive or exploitive.

According to the charges, Hoffner was having troubles with his university-issued cell phone and brought it in to the school’s IT department. Hoffner was told he would receive a new phone and an IT employee would transfer the photos and video for him.

On Aug. 14, the IT employee came across three videos of children dancing in the nude. The employee contacted his supervisor who called police.

The videos were produced on June 26 and Aug. 8.

Hoffner has been the head coach at MSU for five years. On Friday, university officials put him on administrative leave. Tuesday morning, police arrested him and he remained in Blue Earth County Jail until Tuesday night.

If convicted, Hoffner could face up to 15 years in prison and/or up to $25,000 in fines, for both charges. 3